Ultrasonic flaw detectors

    Sonocon B Portable Ultrasonic Flaw Detector

     

    The Sonocon B belongs to the next generation of portable UT instruments. Using high-end electronics and having the richest set of modes and software features, it can solve any task that can be solved with a portable UT device.

    Also you may watch the Sonocon B Training video set. See more

     
    Portable UT flaw detector Sonocon B held in the hand
     
    • Comfortable and Lightweight

    The Sonocon B is a lightweight inspection system – only 0.95 kg (2 lbs). Due to its ergonomic shape and a hand strap, it can be quite comfortably operated with a single hand, which is particularly important in the field and especially at height. It can be used by both left- and right-handers. A high contrast display of optimal size and resolution (800×480) prevents the operator’s excessive eyestrain.

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    • Powerful and Multifunctional

    The Sonocon B is a digital UT tester combining 3 devices in 1:

    • a flaw detector,
    • an A-Scan thickness gauge,
    • a corrosion monitor

    This is realized with the help of switchable software. In the “UT” version, the Sonocon B fulfils all functions of a powerful ultrasonic flaw detector necessary for its setup, defect search and their advanced evaluation. In the “Thickness gauge +” version it turns into an advanced A-Scan thickness gauge, which also can do corrosion mapping.

     
    • Usage in Harsh Environments

    High contrast display allows working in direct sunlight. The operation temperature range is from –30°C to +50 °C (-22°F to 122°F). The flaw detector is resistant to ionizing radiation impact and is intended for operation in increased humidity conditions.

    Three key features of portable ultrasonic flaw detector Sonocon B
    Buttons of portable ultrasonic flaw detector Sonocon B
    • Easy-to-Use

    The Sonocon B is highly user-friendly. Its interface philosophy can be stated as “Don’t browse menus, just push a button!”. All most frequently used functions are placed on its keyboard making them accessible in a single or a couple of button presses. This makes setup and evaluation procedures several times faster. A variety of built-in auto calibration procedures allow to perform fast and easy calibration with straight beam, angle beam and Rayleigh wave probes on standards or even test pieces.

    To help new users get to know its interface, the Sonocon B offers a number of options:

    • Context backlight: In modes where a group of buttons is to be used, all relevant buttons are highlighted.
    • Menu item hints: All not trivial menu items show descriptions when activated (changed).
    • Menu presets: A user can choose one of 3 menu system presets:
      • Full: contains all menu items on 2 pages granting access to all UT instrument functions;
      • Simple1 & Simple 2: contain all basic functions on one page, grouped in a couple of menus. It is also possible to add any 3 or 4 extra menus from a Full Menu List.

    Industrial applications:

    Ultrasonic flaw detector application
    Construction

    Testing of equipment, e.g. of the lifting mechanisms.
    Testing of metal works etc.

    Ultrasonic flaw detector application
    Metallurgy

    Testing of the mill rolls.
    Equipment testing.
    Selective acceptance testing etc.

    Ultrasonic flaw detector application
    Aircraft

    Aircraft parts testing: landing gear, wheels, flaps, engines, aircraft body components etc.

    Ultrasonic flaw detector application
    Railroad

    Testing of the welded joints of the railcar parts, locomotives, cisterns, bridges and so on.
    Corrosion thickness gauging and mapping.
    Wheelsets testing (wheels and axles).

    Ultrasonic flaw detector application
    OIL & GAS

    Testing of casing pipes and metal structures of the rigs and platforms.
    Pipelines testing.
    Thickness gauging–corrosion search and mapping.
    Testing of machines and mechanisms parts.

    Ultrasonic flaw detector application
    Machinery

    Equipment testing.
    Selective acceptance testing of the machines parts.
    Spot welding testing etc.

    Ultrasonic flaw detector application
    Energy

    Testing of the welded joints of the pipelines, vessels, nozzles, power generation plant equipment.
    Testing of machines and mechanisms parts.
    Thickness gauging–corrosion search and mapping, etc.

    Ultrasonic flaw detector application
    Chemical and petrochemical

    Testing of the welded joints of pipelines, vessels, nozzles, and other equipment.
    Thickness gauging–corrosion search and mapping.
    Testing of machines and mechanisms parts.

    Now Sonocon available in two versions:

     

    Sonocon B

    Portable easy to hold ultrasonic flaw detector Sonocon B

    Sonocon BL

    Portable ultrasonic flaw detector with a large screen Sonocon BL

     

    Performance

    Dual Mode Pulser

    The Sonocon B implies two pulser modes: Spike Wave and Square Wave (SWP). This as well as a damping feature allow controlling echo shape, length and amplitude in wide ranges.

    Waveform Averaging

    This function permits averaging A-Scan from ×2 to ×64. This greatly raises Signal / Noise ratio, thus enabling comfortable operation at even very high gain and making measurements more precise.

     


     

    Quick and Comfortable Operation

    Direct A-Scan and Gate Control

    After just pushing a single button, the operator can intuitively control A-Scan or gates.

    Quick Access Menu

    The QAM button grants access to a queue of circular menus which allow a quick change of measurement and alarm parameters.

    Indication Search and Evaluation Aids

    “Legs Marking” Mode

     

    The “Legs marking” mode changes A-Scan background by marking A-Scan parts corresponding to downgoing legs in yellow and to upgoing legs – in pink. This helps to visually estimate the depth of the reflector (defect) which causes an indication.

    “Smart Zoom” Mode

     

    In this mode, both zoomed A-Scan (from one of two gates) and a full unzoomed A-Scan are displayed. This prevents the operator from losing an off gate indication.

    “Evaluate” Mode



     

    The “Evaluate” mode is very useful for evaluation of “hard to catch” indications. It also makes evaluation of usual indications much more quickly. When this mode is on, the operator needs only to make a blind scanning of the area of interest and the flaw detector will monitor all echoes in the 1st gate, find the best one (according to the amplitude), automatically adjust gain to put that echo to the evaluation level and freeze it. The “best” indication can be then evaluated and saved for reporting if needed. After the “Evaluate” mode is off, the scanning gain is automatically retrieved.

     


     

    Flaw Evaluation Systems

    DAC System

     

    A built-in DAC system allows building DAC curves according to the following codes: ASME (single curve and 3 curves), EN 1712, EN 1713, EN1714, JIS Z3060, GB 11345, GB 4730. User presets are also available. Base curve can contain up to 128 points. Up to 6 additional curves can be built. Besides all standard functions used in any DAC system, the Sonocon B offers such advanced functions like “20-80” function, DAC ↔ TCG conversion function, etc.

    DGS (AVG) System

     

    The DGS system allows building up to 3 DGS curves for given equivalent diameters (area) for straight beam and angle beam single element transducers. It also gives direct readings of De and / or Se for gated indication.

    AWS (D rating) System

    The Sonocon B also employs the automated calculation of D-rating, according to American Welding Society Structural Welding Code, Section D1.1, D1.3.

    Setup Automation

    Probe Library

     

    To set up the selected probe parameters, it is enough to select a corresponding item from the Probe Library and all related settings will be loaded automatically.

    Automatic Calibration

     

    The Sonocon B offers a variety of automated calibration procedures: in air, on a built-in calibration block, and classical single and dual point calibration.

     


     

    Result Storage and Processing

    Structured Files

     

    One of the most important and difficult tasks in thickness measurement with large test pieces is to correctly organize measurement results to facilitate their analysis. Using the Sonocon B, the operator can choose one of the several templates corresponding to almost any type of test piece:

    • “Line” (1D) is ideal for small diameter pipes, etc.
    • “Line+” (2D) is used for a linear group of “Line” objects, for section by section thickness measurement of large diameter pipes, etc.
    • “Grid” (2D) is used for testing of large quasi planar object like ship hulls, storage tanks, large diameter oil storages, etc.
    • “Line++” (3D) is used for testing of a 2D group of “Line” objects.
    • “Grid+” (3D) is used for a linear group of “Grid” objects.
    • “Boiler” (3D) organizes measurement points on pipes and pipes on levels.

    On-the-Go Measurement Statistics

     

    The Sonocon B allows not only reviewing organized measurement data, but also analyzing them, providing statistics for the whole file and each of measurement sites.

     


     

    Corrosion Monitoring

    Thickness B-Scans

     

    The Thickness B-Scan, a section of the test piece produced by the ultrasonic beam, is easy to acquire with any 1D scanner with an encoder. It shows a back wall profile, which is useful for evaluating the corrosion type.

    Thickness C-Scans

     

    Thickness C-Scans are acquired with a 2D scanner or a series of linear scans with 1D scanner and are used for corrosion mapping.

     


     

    PC Software

    The Sonocon B goes with the PC software package corresponding to the inner software – UT, Thickness Gauge + or both.
    C software is used for organizing instrument settings and testing results, testing result analysis and reporting.

    Thickness Gauge +:

    UT:

    Portable UT flaw detector Sonocon B
    Portable UT flaw detector Sonocon B, view from above
    Portable UT flaw detector Sonocon B, view from the left side
    Portable UT flaw detector Sonocon B, USB port
    Portable UT flaw detector Sonocon B, view from the right side

    Display
    Size 4.5”
    Resolution 800×480
    Connectors
    Probe connectors 2 × BNC or
    2 × LEMO-1 or
    2 × LEMO-00
    Analog output Alarm
    USB1 Type A
    LAN
    Pulser
    Types Spike + Square Wave (SWP)
    Voltage (SWP) 50 V, 100 V,
    150 V, 200 V,
    250 V, 300 V,
    400 V
    Energy (SWP) 20 ns to 1000ns with 10 ns step Manual & Auto modes
    Voltage (Spike) Low: 50 V,
    High: 300 V
    Damping
    PRF modes Comfort, Low,
    Medium, High,
    Manual
    PRF from 15 to 6000 Hz
    Phantoms control 3 modes
    Receiver
    Range (at steel longitudinal wave) 314 in(8 000 mm )
    Gain 0 to110 dB,
    with 0.1 dB step
    Max signal input 20 V p-p
    Bandwidth 0.2 MHz - 27 MHz
    Filters 0.2-27 MHz,
    0.2-10 MHz,
    2.0-21.5 MHz,
    8.0-26.5 MHz,
    0.5-4 MHz,
    0.2-1.2 MHz,
    1.5-8.5 MHz,
    5-15 MHz,
    0.4 MHz,
    0.5 MHz,
    1 MHz,
    1.25 MHz,
    2 MHz,
    2.25 MHz,
    2.5 MHz,
    3.5 MHz,
    4 MHz,
    5 MHz,
    7.5 MHz,
    10 MHz,
    15 MHz,
    20 MHz
    Filters set choice
    Rectification RF, FW, Pos. HW,
    Neg. HW
    TCG (TVG) 110 dB;
    up to 110 dB/μs slope
    Signal Average OFF / 2x / 4x / 8x / 16x / 32x / 64x
    Reject (cutoff) 0-80% FSH
    Measurement
    Number of gates 2
    Number of cursors 2
    Modes 1, 2, C1, C2, 1-2, 1-C1, 1-C2, 2-C1, 2-C2, C1-C2
    TOF Modes Peak, Edge (Flank)
    Amplitude measurement up to 220% FSH
    Units mm / in / us
    Output fields 5
    Alarm
    Number of gates 2
    Number of levels 3
    Flaws evaluation
    AWS
    DGS (AVG)
    DAC
    DAC: Number of points 128
    DAC codes ASME & ASME III,
    EN 1712, EN 1713,
    EN1714, JIS Z3060,
    GB11345, GB 4730
    Custom DAC curves up to 6
    DAC 20-80
    DAC <=> TCG
    Memory
    Setups
    Datasets (with A-Scans)
    Capacity 2 GB (up to 64 GB)
    PC software
    Other Features
    Coupling control
    AGC independent for both gates
    Quick calibration
    Quick evaluation (Best signal catch)
    Auto XX % (50% or 80%)
    Reference gain
    Peak hold (collect, peak memory)
    Signals compare
    Smart zoom
    Choice of menu systems Full
    Simple 1
    Simple 2
    Keyboard backlight
    Smart (Context) keyboard backlight
    Number of keyboard shortcuts2 41
    Physical
    Dimensions 9.5×4.4×5.3"(241×112×135 mm)
    Weight incl. battery 2 lbs (0.95 kg)
    Operating temp. range -22°F to 122°F (-30°C to 50°C)
    Dust & water protection IP65
    Battery life 8 h
    Replaceable battery
    1 USB Type A (aka Host or Master) allows connecting external devices (a USB stick, a mouse, etc).
    Pulser
    Type Square Wave (SWP)
    Autofit of the pulser parameters to the chosen probe Voltage,
    Energy,
    Damping
    Measurement frequency (readings refresh rate) 1 to 100 Hz
    PRF mode Auto (Calculated from set readings refresh rate, accounting for averaging rate)
    Receiver
    Range (at steel longitudinal wave) 314 in (8 000 mm)
    AGC Individual to reach at 2 gates
    AGC Modes OFF / Edge / Peak
    AGC Max Gain Modes High, Medium, Low, Manual, Off
    Auto filters choice (according to the probe type)
    Measurement
    Sound velocities range .01 to .629 in/µs(250 to 16000 m/s )
    Measurement range .016 to .629 in (0.4 to 16 000 mm)
    Readings resolution .001 / .01 / .1 in (0.01 / 0.1 / 1 mm)
    Number of gates 2
    Modes 1, 1-2
    TOF Modes Edge, Edge Zero Crossing
    Units mm / in
    Min & Max capture mode
    Differential mode
    % of wear mode
    Temperature compensation
    Acquisition of a:
    • Thickness B-Scan
    • Thickness C-Scan


    Measurements on the previously acquired:
    • Thickness B-Scan
    • Thickness C-Scan



    Alarm & Display
    Alarm types Min, Max, Min&Max
    Coupling loss alarm
    Last reading (in coupling loss)
    A-Scan
    Cursor (Detect Line)
    Thickness B-Scan
    Thickness C-Scan
    Multidimensional files: Browsing
    Multidimensional files: File Statistics
    Multidimensional files Meas. Site Statistics
    Calibration
    1-point
    2-points
    Zeroing in the air
    Zeroing on a built-in block
    Memory
    Setups
    Multidimensional structured files 1-3 dim
    Number of readings per file Up to 100 000
    Number of files format 6
    Data attachments Comments,
    A-Scans,
    Thickness B-Scans,
    Thickness C-Scans,
    Microgrids
    Capacity 2 GB (up to 64 GB)
    PC software
    Other Features
    Keyboard backlight
    Smart (Context) keyboard backlight
    Smart zoom
    Number of keyboard shortcuts2 29
    2 Number of instrument functions one can access with a couple of button presses.
    Name and description Quantity pcs.
    Electronic unit 1
    Piezoelectric transducer:TSD5-10 1
    Connection cable probe / Electronic unit (2lemo00×2BNC) 1
    Mascot Type 2542 Charger 1
    Hand strap 1
    Software for processing the testing results on PC “Thickness gauge +” and “UT” 1
    Battery unit 1
    Bag or Case 1
    Documentation
    Operating manual for Sonocon B version "UT" 1 copy
    Operating manual for Sonocon B version “Thickness gauge +” 1 copy
    Operating manual for PC software for version “UT” 1 copy
    Operating manual for PC software for version “Thickness gauge +” 1 copy
    Operating manual for Mascot charger 1 copy
    Name and description Quantity pcs.
    Electronic unit 1
    Mascot Type 2542 Charger 1
    Hand strap 1
    Software for processing the testing results on PC "UT" 1
    Battery unit 1
    Bag or Case 1
    Documentation
    Operating manual for Sonocon B version “UT” 1 copy
    Operating manual for PC software for version “UT” 1 copy
    Operating manual for Mascot charger 1 copy
    Name and description Quantity pcs.
    Electronic unit 1
    Piezoelectric transducer:TSD5-10 1
    Connection cable probe / Electronic unit (2lemo00×2BNC) 1
    Mascot Type 2542 Charger 1
    Hand strap 1
    Software for processing the testing results on PC “Thickness gauge +” 1
    Battery unit 1
    Bag or Case 1
    Documentation
    Operating manual for Sonocon B version “Thickness gauge +” 1 copy
    Operating manual for PC software for version “Thickness gauge +” 1 copy
    Operating manual for Mascot charger 1 copy
     

    About OKOndt GROUP

    OKOndt GROUP is a group of companies with more than 30 years of experience in researching, developing, and producing nondestructive testing (NDT) equipment for industrial customers worldwide. The production companies in the group are Ultracon-Service LLC and Promprylad LLC.

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